An Everest base camp trek is the adventure of a lifetime, a journey for those whose dreams soar higher than even the clouds. Miles from cars, conveniences, and daily luxuries, you'll saturate your spirit in natural beauty and stretch your personal endurance beyond what you thought possible. The path begins in ancient Kathmandu, where you'll acclimate and explore the city at your leisure while anticipating your ascent. Your trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m (over 3.5 miles!) to the base of the world's tallest mountain will bring you over suspension bridges spanning chasms of thin air, through hidden Buddhist monasteries, and into the heart of the warm, rugged Sherpa culture. As you travel alongside thrillseekers and photographers from all over the globe, you'll spy Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu - three of Earth's 10 tallest peaks! You'll rest easy at night in cozy, traditional teahouses knowing that our experienced, knowledgeable guides and porters are there to ensure the safest, most enjoyable, most fascinating experience possible. You'll support local economies, discover hidden strengths in yourself, and make both friends and memories that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for?

Day 1 - Kathmandu: Arrival Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital and cultural hub of Nepal! We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel. Plan on an evening briefing on last-minute specifics about your trek and an early lights-out: you have a big day ahead.

Day 2 - Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Phakding

After a short morning flight to Lukla, you’ll be introduced to your guide and porter. Kick off your trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descent towards Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the bank of the Dudhkoshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we will be staying for the night to acclimatize. Enjoy your free time in Phakding, a popular stopping point.

Note: Lukla Flights may depart and return to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport. Ramechhap airport is a 4 hour drive from Kathmandu so we will get started for the airport around 3 or 4 am.

Day 3 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ftWalking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)

We’ll have breakfast in Phakding before gearing up for the trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest sherpa village in Nepal. Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then through a beautiful pine forest to Monjo, about two hours away. Soon thereafter, we will approach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park for a brief permit check and then descend to Dudh Kosi River (spotting Mani stones along the way!) en route to Jorsale. Lunch will be served here, and then it’s uphill to Namche. Our path along the riverbank is flanked by two crossings, one of which is the Hillary Suspension Bridge. It’s a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you’ll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.

Day 4 - Namche Bazaar: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 3,440m/11,283ft

At this point, we take a well-deserved break! Today will be spent resting and allowing our bodies to become acclimatized to the lofty altitude. There’s an optional 2 hour hike to Everest View Point, an uphill walk that will help speed acclimatization. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Namche Bazaar. Check out the Sherpa museum for an overview of the Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering. On Saturdays, the Hatt Bazaar is open for trading and an intimate look at the locals’ marketplace. It is part of the larger Namche Bazaar, a shopping hub filled with all manner of trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment.

Day 5 - Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Altitude: 3,870m/12,684ft Walking Distance: 10km (6 hours)

Breakfast in Namche Bazaar fuels us for another day of trekking towards Everest Base Camp today! Breathtaking views of the Himalayas - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde - are some of the highlights not be missed. A short drop takes us to the riverside, then it’s across the river upwards through the forest pass. Brace your legs for a continual uphill trek at this point, alternating between a gradual grade and some seriously steep ground! Our destination, Tengboche, is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. Its views, which include Ama Dablam, are legendary. We’ll stop in on the Tengboche monastery, which is one of the largest in Khumbu. Nourish your spirit with a guided tour of the monastery grounds, followed by chanting and prayer with the resident Buddhist monks.

Day 6 - Tengboche to Dingboche

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft Walking Distance: 11km (6 hours)

Our trek today kicks off with a walk through the rhododendron forest to Deboche followed by a bridge over the raging Imja Khol River. We’ll pass the valley wall and then traverse the plains to Pangboche village, the biggest settlement of Sherpas in the region. Enjoy a great opportunity to observe a typical Sherpa village and have lunch with the locals! The intrepid can brave a brief hike to the Pangboche monastery, one of the oldest in the area. Our afternoon trek will be a difficult one, as the landscape gives way to dry, deserted mountains and we hike towards Dingboche.

Day 7 - Dingboche: Rest and Acclimatization Day

Altitude: 4,400m/14,435ft

This is your chance to rest up before the last leg of our adventure! Savor a full day of exploring Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Chhukung and Imja, the latter of which links with Island Peak, the high passes of Amphu Laptsa, and Makalu Barun National Park. Taking an optional trek to the valleys will pay off in rewarding views, but taking it easy is the most important thing today. You’ll need your rest for the penultimate day of ascent tomorrow.

Day 8 - Dingboche to Lobuche

Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft Walking Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 hours)

From here on forth, the trek will move more gradually be more challenging, due to the higher altitude. We’ll pass Dungla, but not before a tough, steep walk to the top of a high hill. Here are the memorial stupas dedicated to the climbers and trekkers who lost their lives to Everest over the years. The next part of our adventure brings over craggy mountain terrain to Lobuche, a small settlement with amazing views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumari and the Nuptse. Prepare to snuggle up for a cold night, as we are now almost three miles above sea level and the evenings can be downright chilly!

Day 9 - Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, EBC to Gorekshep

This is it! Our big day kicks off with an initial, relatively easy trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep. The subsequent, straight trail to Everest Base Camp is harder, involving rocky dunes and moraine, formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris. On the way to our destination, we’ll approach the famed Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest. At the Base Camp, our goal, you’ll have the chance (during the spring climbing season) to meet climbers attempting to scale the mountain’s summit. Break out your cameras for unbelievable views of breathtaking beauty. As the afternoon sun starts to wane, we’ll head back to Gorekshep for some much-needed rest and relaxation after a grueling and busy day.

Day 10 - Gorekshep to Kalapathar and Pheriche

We’ll wake before dawn today to trek towards Kalapathar (which means “black rock”) for a fiery, glorious sunrise over Mt. Everest. The day’s first light will illuminate your spectacular view of Nuptse Nup, Changtse and Lhotse.This may be, of the whole journey, your most opportune moment to snap amazing pictures of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Afterwards, it’s back to Gorekshep for breakfast and down in the direction of Pheriche, our nighttime stop. Our pace will be a lot brisker as we descend, and the walking is easier going this way.

Day 11 - Pheriche to Namche

Altitude: 3,440m/11,284ft Walking Distance: 13-15km (7-8 hours)

The walk from Pheriche back to Tengboche is mainly downhill, although it does, counterintuitively, require an hour scaling a hill. We’ll be in Namche by late afternoon and off to bed before our last day on the mountain.

Day 12 - Namche to Phakding and Lukla

Altitude: 2,800m/9,184ft Walking Distance: 16km (6-7 hours)

After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in our last Tea House and, traditionally, a party with your trekking crew: you made it! Thanks to great teamwork and perseverance, you’ve accomplished a physical feat of which others only dream. This is your last night on the mountain, which can be bittersweet.

Day 13 - Lukla to Kathmandu

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft Flight time: 35 min

In the morning, you’ll hop a brief flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, where your journey both began and ends. You’ll transfer to your hotel upon landing for some much-needed solo rest and reflection after your trek conquering the Himalayas. We’ll reunite in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants in town, where we’ll be eager to hear your feedback on the trip.

Day 14 - Kathmandu: Departure Day

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft

It’s your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We’ll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty time before your flight home. At this time, we’ll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
END OF OUR SERVICES

* All distances and time estimates are approximate.

Travel Insurance

Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers trekking as an activity up to 6000m. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking. We have some suggestions on finding an insurance company on our Terms of Service Page

Extra Costs and Exclusions

We recommend that trekkers carry about 35,000 Nepal Rupees ($350 USD) for extra expenses on the trek. If you are budgeting you may not end up spending this entire amount. Here are the items that are extra costs on the trek:

All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Kathmandu.

We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on around 10% of the cost of your trek.

We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).

The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few of the tea houses for between $4 and $6. Charging electronic devices is possible in the tea houses and charging costs between $1 and $3 an hour.

Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($40/night) and meals in Kathmandu and Lukla for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.

Flight Delays in Lukla/Kathmandu

The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla where the trek starts is generally reliable but if the weather is bad all flights will be cancelled for the day. In the event the flight is cancelled we will attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter but you are responsible for the extra costs in this event which can range from $400 or more depending on the number of people on the flight.

We schedule one extra day into the trek already as a buffer day in case of delays but as flights can at times be delayed for several days we suggest you add a couple of additional extra days at the end of your trip in case of any delays. Extra days should always be scheduled at the end of the trip and not the start.

Solo Travelers

We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $150 cancellation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Kathmandu and Lukla your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, there is plenty of choice and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room for no extra cost.

FAQ

The basics

Why Choose Himalayanwonders?

We have an experienced team of guides on the mountain and great ground staff in Kathmandu to make sure you are well taken care from the moment you arrive. You can always contact us 24/7 on our international helpline and all of our support team rotates through Nepal on a seasonal basis so you can be sure you are getting knowledgeable first hand advice. All of our guides work for us full time and have on average 8+ year's experience trekking in the Himalayas. We are one of the few companies in Nepal to get a Wilderness First Aid Certification for all of our trekking guides. Our guides have also attended a special course dealing with acclimatization issues on the mountain (Meet the Team).

What is the Best Season for Trekking?

The best times for trekking in Nepal are from March to Early May and from September to November. Trekking is possible from December to February and it's a good time to avoid the crowds but you will need to be prepared for colder temperatures. June to August is the rainy season and we don't generally recommend trekking. If June to August is the only time you can trek send us an email and we can provide some suggestions.

All your departure is guaranteed to run?

Yes! Most of our departures sell out during the peak seasons but during the off season we generally have smaller groups. We guarantee all departures so once you make the deposit you can be assured we will run the trek for you.

Do I need a Guide? I've trekked/hiked/camped before - can't I guide myself?

Our guides work for us full time and have completed many treks successfully earning our trust and that of our guests. Our clients time and again will remark on how great the trip was because their guide helped make it unforgettable.

Will the guide speak English?

All of our guides speak excellent English. They have many years' experience working with guests from all over the world and are very good at connecting with people.

Who can go?

Are there any age limits for Himalayan trekking?

There's no limit on our adventures, as long as participants are healthy and willing! We have had families with kids as young as 7 years do the Everest Base Camp Trek and our eldest trekkers have been in their late 70s. We generally suggest that families schedule a private trek and schedule a few extra days. Don't hesitate to ask us about arrangements.

Is previous trekking experience really necessary?

We get a lot of first time trekkers in our groups so even if you don't have experience you will be in good company. Your fitness level should be such that your comfortable walking all day. Previous, hiking or trekking experience is always a plus.

Are solo female travelers safe on Himalayan treks?

We ensure the travel safety of all our trekking guests, both male and female. Nepal, on the whole, is both very safe and welcoming of foreign visitors. We have long standing, strong relationships with the lodges we frequent, and know them to be safe and reliable. In addition our guides are consistently mindful of all guests' whereabouts while trekking. We travel in small groups, all the better to easily maintain continual contact.

Payments & Extra Costs

When I pay the remainder of the money on arrival in Kathmandu, how do you take that money? US cash or credit card?

We accept all major currencies. You can pay the balance in cash or with a credit card. Please note we charge a 13% fee for credit card payments so it's much better to pay your balance in cash.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

Generally, most places in Nepal don't take credit cards so they are of limited use. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and you can get a good exchange rate withdrawing rupees. The ATMS in Kathmandu generally charge a $5 USD service fee in addition to any charges that you might incur from your bank. These ATMs also often have a limit of 25,000 rupees per day (about $215 USD).

What Extra Costs Can I Expect?

Our trekking packages are pretty much all inclusive from the time you arrive in Nepal. We generally suggest you plan on about $300 or $400 for extra expenses including tips. Extra expenses include items such as: Your Nepal Visa, sleeping bag or down jacket rental, showers, Wifi, snacks and charging electrical devices at tea houses along the way. We also suggest you plan on having extra funds available in cash or on a credit card in case your flight to Lukla is canceled and you decide to charter a helicopter. (Terms of Service – Extra Expenses)

Physical Fitness

How difficult is trekking?

Trekking in the Everest Region is challenging, but it is a challenge which most people can rise to with some training and determination. The trek consists of 5 to 8 hours of walking a day. In general, we start trekking around 8 am and reach the destination for the day around 4 pm.

How fast do you go on the trek?

We encourage everyone in the group to keep a slow pace at our pre-trek briefings. It's about enjoying the mountains and not a race to the next tea house. The head guide will normally stay at the back of the group with the slowest trekkers.

What is the Best Fitness Program to Prepare?

In terms of physical conditioning before the trek, it's best if you can do some cardio related workouts like running and distance walking. It's ideal if you can take the time to go on a few weekend hikes around your area too. We have an training guide for Everest Base Camp on our website that may have just the information you're looking for. Training for Everest Base Camp

What physical criteria will ensure I'm fit enough to trek?

Those with acute or chronic health conditions impacting their stamina, range of motion, coordination, or balance may have difficulty completing the trek. If you are in doubt about your own physical readiness, consult a physician well in advance of booking your trip.

Preparation & Packing

What are the next steps once I pay the deposit?

Once you have paid the deposit the next step is for you to send us a scan or photo of your passport along with arrival flight details. We can’t book your Lukla flight or get your trekking permit until we have the photo or scan of your passport so please send this to us as soon as possible .

What type of insurance should I have? Where can I obtain a policy?

Travel insurance is mandatory and obtaining it for the days you are trekking is your responsibility. Please email us your proof of insurance before arriving for the trek. You can check out more details on insurance requirements at our Terms of Service – Insurance.

What should I pack for my trip?

We have a complete downladable packing list or if you want more details visit our blog post on packing for Everest Base Camp. It's worth noting that just about anything you need in the way of trekking clothing and/or equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu when you first arrive.

Do you rent sleeping bags or down jackets?

We can provide a -20C sleeping bag for a $20 rental fee during the trek and down jackets are $15 USD. These will be available at the briefing the night before your flight to Lukla and you can just let the team know that you need one.

What about the duffel bag for the porters?

We will provide a duffel bag for you in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be carried by the porters on the trek and will be your luggage item on the flight. Often the porters get ahead on the trail and your duffel will not be available until you reach the tea house in the evening so you will need to carry a day pack while hiking with the items you need during the day.

How big should my day pack be?

Generally, we recommend a day pack of about 40 L, or roughly the size of a school backpack to hold your extra layers as well as essentials for the day.

What about weight limits?

The main limitation on the weight is the luggage limit on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is 10kg (22lbs) and another 5kg (11lbs) for a carry-on for a total of 15Kg or 33lbs.

What should I do with passports, medications and valuables?

Make sure to keep all of the items in your carry on during the flight. You don't want to be without important documents or medication if your luggage is delayed for some reason. You should carry these in your day pack on the trek as well.

Can I leave luggage in Kathmandu during the trek?

Yes, you can leave any luggage at the hotel during the trek.

Arrival & Visas

Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you as you step out of the airport. Please look for our driver with a Himalayanwonders signboard. You can see more about arriving at the airport on this short video (click here to see on YouTube).

Can I get the visa for Nepal on arrival at the airport?

Most guests are eligible to get a visa on arrival at the airport and it takes between 20 minutes to an hour depending on the rush. Guests are responsible to check and verify all visa requirements before arriving. Your passport needs to have at least 6 months validity on the date you are entering Nepal. Check this as soon as you book your trek. Please check visa fees and other details here: Terms of Service – Visas.

All of our trekking packages include 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu and we can arrange extra nights for $40 (single) or $50 (double room). Please let us know in advance if you need extra nights so they can be reserved. You can pay any extra nights when you arrive to the hotel directly. Sometimes you will find cheaper rates online for these hotels, but the advantage of having us make the arrangements is that if your Lukla flight is delayed we can shift or cancel the reservation at no extra cost.

Room and board

What kind of accommodation is there on the trek?

We use tea houses for lodging on all of our treks. This is probably the most popular style of trekking and simply involves going from teahouse to teahouse. Teahouses are essentially small hotels found in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers per/room. Bathrooms are shared as well and in the Everest region they usually have running cold water and western style toilets. (Read More – Tea House Trekking Blog).

Is there a possibility of getting separate rooms for the trip? If so how much extra will this cost?

We can arrange a private room in Kathmandu. In some of the villages on the trek, it may be possible to have a private room (no extra cost) and we will do our best to arrange that. However, during busy times of the year there is a limited amount of lodging available in some of the villages so it's generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you're willing to pay extra since the tea house owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.

Where will our drinking water come from?

We provide all the meals on the trek, but don't provide water. The best option is to treat the local water either with chlorine/iodine tablets or to use a steri pen. The tea houses will give you good quality free water and you can also get along the trail but you will need to treat it. If you are using the tablets make sure they dissolve completely (about 30 mins). On most treks you can buy mineral water along the trail. A liter of mineral water at lower elevation tea houses costs around $1 USD but at higher elevations can cost up to $4 so the cost can add up.

What kind of meals are offered on the trek?

We let trekkers choose a meal and hot drink from the menus at the tea houses. Typical meals include; omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, momo, vegetarian curries, pizza or chow mein. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, and a vegetable is all you can eat and always a good choice. Meat on the mountain is not hygienic and we suggest trekkers stick with vegetarian options. (Menu and Food Items – Youtube Video).

Can you accommodate vegetarian or other special diets?

This is not a problem and in fact we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.

Can I charge electric devices on the trek?

They have electricity at the tea houses in the common areas. They do charge an extra fee of $1 to $4 an hour for charging.

What type of adapter might I need?

A lot of the tea houses have the power strips with the American outlets. If not then either a C or D type outlet is good. You can check out all the details on the different outlets (click here). If you have time in Kathmandu you can buy at least the common adapters for just a couple of dollars.

What about wifi or phone calls?

Some of the lower elevation tea houses offer wi-fi for an extra charge of $3 to $10. Another option is to get a Nepalese SIM card in Kathmandu for both internet and calls. Even if you have a SIM card data use is mainly limited to lower elevation tea houses. You can also use your guides phone for international calls as long as you reimburse him for the charges which tend to be fairly reasonable.

What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse?

Most of the tea houses have western style flush toilets and cold running water. In almost all cases the bathrooms are shared and not attached to the individual rooms. Some of the higher elevation tea houses have the Asian style toilets which consists of a ceramic basin on the ground (Bathrooms on the Everest Trek – Youtube Video).

Where can I use the restroom along the trail?

Most of the time you can use the bathrooms in one of the tea houses or lodges, but if it's urgent you can go off the trail and find some privacy.

Do I need to bring toilet paper for the trek?

This is a good idea. However, you can also easily but a roll along the trail at one of the small shops. At the higher elevations like Gorak Shep a roll of tissue might run you $5.

Is it possible to shower on the trek?

The lower elevation tea houses have hot showers (generally gas) whereas the higher elevation tea houses generally provide a bucket of hot water. Tea Houses generally charge an extra $3 to $5 for a hot shower which can be well worth it after a long day on the trail.

Is it possible to do laundry on the trek?

There are laundry services available in some of the tea houses, and it may be possible to wash some clothes during your acclimation days in Namche Bazaar or Dingboche for a small fee. It is better to plan ahead and pack enough, then wash your clothes when you get back to Kathmandu at the end of the trip.

Health and safety

What about acclimatization and altitude?

The best way to avoid problems with altitude is to ascend slowly and all of our Everest treks are designed to average about 300m or 1000ft a day in elevation gain which helps to minimize any elevation problems and is the rate recommend by high altitude doctors. For a complete list of symptoms please review our Welcome to Nepal Brochure. All of guides are well experienced at recognizing symptoms related to AMD and each carries a pulse oximeter and will monitor your blood oxygen level on a regular basis. (Read more on our blog).

What about sun protection?

It may seem counterintuitive, but your skin is in more danger of sun damage on the mountains than while at the beach! The sun's intensity increases dramatically as we rise in altitude, and fresh snow reflects exponentially more UV rays than does the sand. You will need to protect your skin with clothing and sunblock. A sunblock specifically for mountain conditions is recommended. If you wear prescription eyeglasses its recommend that you get your prescription fitted to sunglasses. Its best to wear a hat and cover up while trekking.

What happens if I get sick or injured while trekking?

We take all possible precautions to proactively ensure the safety and wellness of our trekkers, but rest assured that our guides are trained and experienced in dealing with emergencies. In case of altitude sickness, you will immediately be taken to a lower altitude. If necessary, your guide will utilize your travel insurance information to call a rescue helicopter, and you will be flown to Kathmandu for medical attention.

What safety measures are in place?

All of our guides are certified by the Red Cross and also have an international WAFA certification. Wilderness Advanced First Aid is comprehensive medical training designed for remote professionals or wilderness leaders who venture into remote and challenging environments. Our guides are all equipped with pulse oximeters and in addition to keeping a close watch of your condition they will take daily readings of your blood oxygen saturation levels. In addition our guides carry a basic first aid kit and have a mobile phone. In an emergency situation the guide will coordinate rescue efforts with the office in Kathmandu where our team is available 24/7.

If I am sick can I continue the trek next day after a day of rest?

If you are sick and need to rest for a day we can often place you in the next trekking group coming up the mountain. We would rather see trekkers take an extra day on the trail then risk altitude sickness by pushing themselves too fast. Please talk to your guide about this and we will do our best to accommodate you. Note, that extra charges will apply for additional days on the trek.

How cold does it get on the trek?

Temperatures vary quite a bit in the Everest Region depending on the season. Temperatures in Lukla at the start of the trek are actually quite warm from March to May and from September to November and trekkers often wear t-shirts and shorts. Everest Base Camp is cold year round and even during the warmer months you can expect lows at night below freezing. During the winter months it can reach -25C or colder at night and its important to have warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. Our packing list for Everest Base Camp should have you well prepared for even the coldest months (packing for Everest Base Camp.)

What sort of footwear is recommended?

Comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes or boots are a must. Look for shoes with ankle support, and ideally your footwear will have Gore-Tex or similar lining, along with thick soles. This will ensure that your feet stay warm and dry, and that you are comfortable walking on rocky paths. It’s always best to break your boots in before you arrive and make sure they are comfortable. If you start to get a blister it’s best to stop immediately and cover it with duct tape or moleskin.

Is the food and water in Nepal safe?

All of the water in Nepal needs to be treated before drinking. If you want to avoid treating the water you can buy bottled water on the trek or in Kathmandu. Whether trekking or in Kathmandu its best to avoid uncooked vegetables. To be on the safe side make sure all your meals are cooked and avoid meat on the mountain.

What immunizations will I need?

We generally recommend the standard vaccinations as per the CDC (See link). If you have any pre-existing medical conditions please let us know at the time of making the deposit.

Practical matters

What happens if the flight from Lukla or Kathmandu is delayed?

The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are generally reliable but if the weather is not good they can be canceled for the entire day. Our 14 day package includes one buffer day in case of delays but we suggest that you schedule a couple of extra additional days in case of delays at the end of your trek. If your flight is delayed in Kathmandu we will rebook your flight for the next day. We may also be able to provide an option for a privately chartered helicopter. If you choose to take the helicopter this can cost an additional $500 or more depending on availability and group size. Extra hotel nights ($40) and meals in Kathmandu are not included when flights are delayed although we will make arrangements for you. If your flight is delayed from Lukla your are responsible for extra accommodation and meals (approximately $30). (Flying to Lukla – What You Need to Know ).

Should I tip my guide? How about my porter?

While not mandatory, tipping is customary and always appreciated in Nepal and on our treks. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the team's hard work and devoted attention to your happiness. We generally suggest a tip of roughly 10% of the cost of the trek divided between guide and porter.

How much money should I bring along?

Our treks are all-inclusive and cover accommodation, food, park fees, permits, and many other costs, as a means of making your adventure as stress-free and convenient as possible.. Travelers generally bring a small amount of pocket money to cover bottled water, snacks, or tea beyond your included meals, souvenirs, tips, or donations to monasteries along the route (if you are inclined to give one). Trekkers find that around $15 to $20 USD a day is reasonable for these extras although if your on a tight budget you can get by with less.

Do you have any extra charges for solo travelers?

We don't have extra fees for solo travelers joining our group treks. If you have requested a private trek or a different trekking date as to what you see online our team will inform you of any extra fees before you make the deposit.

Can I get a refund if I don't finish the trek?

It’s sometimes the case that trekkers finish ahead of schedule or they end up stopping the trek early for health or personal reasons. If this is the case please understand that we do not offer any refunds for unused days on the trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.

What is your cancellation policy? How about other terms and conditions?

We understand that plans change and if you would like to change the dates of your trek we don’t charge any fees. If you cancel entirely we charge a $150 fee. Check out this link, or contact us for more information.

Can I add extra days to my trekking trip?

This is certainly possible if you have arranged a private trek with us. If you are doing a group trek please ask us in advance on how this might be arranged and we will do our best to find a good solution.

Who else is in my trekking group?

If your concerned about the number of people signed up for a group or have questions about the other trekkers in the group please ask us. We never share personal data but we can give you a general idea on nationalities, sex and approximate age ranges.

I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

If you have extra days after the trek please ask our ground team in Kathmandu for assistance with arranging day tours around the city. We also organize short 3 day trips to Chitwan for safari.